Here’s a current update and thank God there is an update.
Last Wed.,, the teams decided that the LVAD and meds were just sustaining life, but not helping at all. So, they got our permission for a risky (experimental) surgery to remove the LVAD and install a BIVAD (LVAD and RVAD) on Thurs. They had concerns that he would be able to make it to the OR...but he did. They shut down the floor and, also, had Dr.s from Temple and other out of town physicians come in to observe, since it is a teaching hospital and this was historic in medicine. After 7 hrs, he made it through and immediately showed signs of the procedure working (multiple meds were able to be removed afterwards). They left and chest open (and abdomen was already open). We were surprised that on Sat. when they closed the chest and they are now trying to close the abdomen when everything looks good (maybe today or tomorrow - the intestines still look pink and are healing). He is draining well and they are tweaking the respirator, dialysis, and meds. The teams said we are beyond the minute-minute, hour-hour, and now are at the day to day. He’s tried to wake up a few times, but they are keeping him as sedated as possible.
We are extremely thankful and happy, but tempered as well. And, yes, prayers are most definitely working!!!
Thank you all!!!
It is hard for me to imagine the stress your family has been going through.